Frequency Regulation Credit System for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric power providers face high costs and inefficiencies in managing real-time power supply and demand, as they must frequently add or remove power generation capacity, which lacks incentives for power conservation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using AC frequency and power consumption measuring devices to calculate frequency regulation credits and debits, encouraging consumers to stabilize AC line frequency by adjusting their power usage, thereby incentivizing load management and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power generation capacity is constantly adjusted to match real-time demand, then power supply/demand balancing is achieved, but generation costs increase and power conservation incentives are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where frequency regulation credits are calculated based on the relationship between power consumption changes and frequency deviations. Consumers receive credits when their load reductions help stabilize frequency during drops, and debits when their load increases exacerbate frequency deviations. This feedback loop incentivizes consumers to adjust their power consumption in response to grid frequency conditions, reducing the need for costly generation adjustments while maintaining supply/demand balance.
2Productivity
If auxiliary generating facilities are brought on and off line frequently, then real-time demand matching is achieved, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables consumers to self-regulate their power consumption based on frequency regulation credit incentives, eliminating the need for complex centralized control of auxiliary generating facilities. The measurement device automatically monitors power consumption and frequency, calculates credits/debits, and provides real-time feedback to consumers through displays or communication interfaces. This self-service approach replaces complex generation management with simple consumer-side load management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequency regulation credits are implemented based on power consumption and frequency relationship, then power conservation incentives are provided, but measurement and calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (power consumption measurement, frequency measurement, moving average calculation, and credit/debit computation) into a single integrated measurement device. The device includes a power consumption measuring device, an AC frequency measuring device, and a means for generating frequency regulation credits that processes both measurement streams simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to separate systems for each measurement and calculation task.
Data Source
AI summary
A method supplying AC power and billing a customer using frequency regulation credits. The method includes using an AC frequency measuring device, measuring a current AC frequency on an AC power line; using a power consumption measuring device, measuring a current power consumption on the AC power line over a period of time equal to a sampling interval; calculating a power consumption moving average of a last N power current power consumptions measured, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; generating credits or debits based on the current power consumption, the current AC frequency and the power consumption moving average; adding the credits or debits to a frequency regulation credit; and for each next sampling interval repeating measuring the current AC frequency, measuring current power consumption, calculating the power consumption moving average, generating the credits or debits, and adding the credits or debits to the frequency regulation credit.